Longtime Sponsors Are Sticking With Tiger Woods, So Far

The world's most famous golfer, who offered a "profound apology" Wednesday, might find new deals hard to come by, according to marketing experts, and the loyalty of existing sponsors could be tested by any additional tawdry stories or his reluctance to address the issue publicly.

Nike, Gatorade and EA Sports all released statements Wednesday expressing their support or commitment to Woods, and Gillette said it had no plans to change its marketing programs. AT&T declined comment.

"These are people who are invested with him in his foundation, his golf courses, across the board. So they're part of his family, too," said Schwab, who also links companies and celebrities for branding opportunities.

In fact, cutting ties with Woods now could actually hurt a company, Schwab said."Brands look at how impactful a spokesperson can be for their for brand but also what the public outcry or public opinion would be," he said. "If a brand drops him, there could potentially be negativity toward the brand for doing so.

"That's why brands typically weather the storm." But companies that may have wanted to align themselves with Woods might rethink that - particularly companies whose target audience is women or children. Part of Woods' appeal has been his pristine image, off the course as well as on, and events of the last week have tainted that, making him an easy target.

Jay Leno poked fun at Woods during his show Tuesday night. Spirit Airlines is trying to capitalize on his troubles, too, offering an "eye of the tiger" sale, which they're promoting with a video that shows a tiger in a baseball cap driving an SUV into a fire hydrant.

Zeta Interactive's "Zeta Buzz" mines more than 100 million blogs, message boards and social media posts to analyze the feelings of potential consumers. In the past, terms most associated with Woods were "Masters," "golf" and "winning," Zeta CEO Al DiGuido said. In the last week, that's changed to "affair" and "cheat," DiGuido said.

The tone of posts has also changed, he said. Before the car crash, 91 percent were positive. That's now down to 74 percent. The volume also has skyrocketed. Zeta Buzz found 900 posts related to Woods on Tuesday; from midnight to noon Wednesday, there were 2,000, DiGuido said.

"As much as he wants to put this behind him, what's happening now is the alleged scandal is starting to fuel the buzz, and it's not positive for Tiger Woods," DiGuido said. "The volume is continuing to grow and the negative side of it is getting more intense.

"It would be something that (if you're a sponsor) you would watch pretty closely because it starts to take on a life of its own."

It's not just Woods who stands to lose. The Tiger Woods Foundation provides educational resources to disadvantaged children, with a $25 million learning center in Anaheim, Calif., and plans to build another in Washington, D.C.

"With respect to the sponsors and partners, they've shown a tremendous amount of support in us and this event, and they've been supportive of the foundation and they've been proud of the work we've done the past 13 years with more than 10 million kids," Greg McLaughlin, foundation president and tournament director for Woods' Chevron World Challenge, said this week.

"A lot of kids need our help and want our help, and we're going to continue to grow our foundation and provide valuable services to these kids," he said.

Woods, who backed out of the tournament after the accident, again pleaded for privacy in his statement Wednesday, saying "problems within a family shouldn't have to mean public confessions." But that's not going to be good enough, the marketing experts said.

Questions will continue to be asked until Woods himself answers them, they said. And the longer he goes without facing the public, the more fans and consumers will question the faith they had in him. ( Tiger Cancels Meeting With Police, Remaining Details Private )

"Sponsors are going to listen to the people who buy their products," said Michael Gordon, CEO of Group Gordon Strategic Communications in New York. "If he handles it well, and he still has the opportunity to do that, he can put this to bed. Currently, the way he's handling it is failing.

"The language in the statement is perfect," Gordon added. "But he needs to come out and humanize it and say those words and answer a handful of tough questions on the subject. The more he avoids direct media contact, he creates more scrutiny of the situation."

Police Stands by Tiger Woods

What Do the Public Think About Tiger Woods saga

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Tiger Woods Divorce - Will It Happen?

The newest rumor to hit the news is that Tiger Woods and wife Elin Nordegren are going to be getting a divorce.  Despite winning the Athlete of the Decade, the rumor of the divorce is making headlines throughout the world just as his affairs have been.  How much longer will Tiger and his wife remain in the news?  How many more women will continue to surface?  Only time will tell.

** Should Elin Nordegren Divorce Tiger Woods? **

Vote Yes or Vote No

(Voting gives you a chance to win a wal-mart gift card)

On December 16th, 2009, Tiger Woods was chosen as the Athlete of the Decade by members of The AP in a vote.  Some people may believe that he doesn't deserve this award after the recent news of Tiger's personal life.  However, this award is chosen based on the accomplishments of the last 10 years.  Despite the problems Tiger has faced lately, this doesn't change the fact that Tiger deserves this award for everything he has accomplished in sports.

Woods, who has only made a total of three comments since his ordeal on the weekend of Thanksgiving, has yet to give any comment for receiving the award.  Expect a comment soon.  The news for his award comes as rumors have surfaced that his wife plans on leaving him soon.  According to sources, "Tiger will never change."  Apparantly, Elin has made up her mind and plans on leaving him very soon.  Chances are, she will take off to her brand new, multi-million dollar Swedish home that Tiger built for her.  I am not jealous at all...

Elin to Tiger Woods - Golf or Me!

Elin Woods is a good woman because she has taken full control of her marriage the way a good woman should. No longer will Mr. Tiger Woods be allowed to tour on his own. The name Tiger fits his hunting nature, always hunting for new offerings on the golf course and elsewhere. By not walking away from her marriage with Tiger, Elin has definitely elevated herself has the bigger person and the ultimate champion.

Now by dictating to Tiger what he should and should not do, Elin has taken the reign as the true champion and big boss in the Woods household. According to many sources, Tiger Woods’ wife demanded that he only goes on golf tours under her watchful eyes. Never again will Tiger be allowed to roam the golf courses and fairways alone.

Tiger was very smart in regards to his plea for forgiveness; he uttered the words that all women want to hear: “I am sorry.�? He acknowledged that he is in fact an infidel, but one that needs a second chance. He proves his true mettle by offering to give up the only game he loves with all his heart and soul, just so that his marriage can be saved, and so that his wife Elin can see that he means business and is willing to do whatever it takes to win her back.

The world’s most famous golfer is a man with urges for other women like all men. He just hasn’t mastered the thing called self control as yet, in regards to wanting more ladies on his five iron. A strong man is a man who can control his urges for the ladies at all times. So, the world has finally found out the weakness of the worlds’ most outstanding golfer. In fact, everyone of us has weaknesses, but no one could have expected that Tiger Woods’ weakness would have been a few porn stars, cocktail waitresses, and a hot party promoter to name a few.

What triggered Elin to finally suspect that Tiger was engaging in extra marital affairs? No one will ever know! One thing is for sure, she takes no nonsense from anyone including the world’s most famous golfer. She didn’t waste any time breaking out the five iron to break out a few windshields. Elin is gorgeous, nice, and beautiful, but she wheels a mean five iron as we all know by now.

Tiger Woods should get a lot of credit for realizing that Elin is the most important woman in his life. At the very least, he didn’t settle for the other ladies on the side and totally eradicate his marriage. He still had a little sense, and held on for dear-life; in fact, his marriage is still on life support, but it seems as if it will pull through, thanks to the most important woman in his life (Elin). Elin should get the most credit of all for not yielding to public pressure to get rid of the Tiger for good.

Tiger like other men are always fantasizing about other ladies. It doesn’t matter if the man is married. The nature of a man is to always try to get into new businesses on the side with a cutie. However, Tiger allowed his fantasy to become a reality and when this happens, it usually spells trouble. Now he has learned his lesson the hard way to always keep fantasy in its rightful place and don’t allow it to spill over into reality or else he will always end up in a ditch with a few broken windshields and a wife standing over him with a golf club.

 

Tiger Woods PGA Tour 10

Tiger woods will continue drawing public’s attention.

EA Sports, one of the sponsors  (like Nike) that has stuck with scandal-besieged golfer Tiger Woods, has a new product out. It's called: Tiger Woods PGA Tour 10.

You are offered the chance to, yes, "Feel the drama." Well, OK,  that's one way of saying it. And it is repeated, "Feel the drama of playing tournament golf with Tiger Woods."

That's drama, right now anyway, that you can feel only by playing a video game, so it is truth in advertising. Because we're not quite sure when Tiger will actually play tournament golf.

This announcement was shared today and, even if it is premature, it begs us to remember that Tiger Woods is a philanthropist whose foundation has had a positive influence on many lives. Why has this not been mentioned as often as the less salacious stories?

Another option is that he leaves golf and become a philanthropist like Bill Gates. The world would be in his debt.

"Tiger Woods has been out of the public eye for 48 days ,he never took his ping g15 driver-- but Russell Simmons claims the golfer is doing a good deed.

Simmons, who has been encouraging his Twitter followers to donate to Haiti relief funds, tweets, "Tiger woods is doing something AMAZING!!!!"

He elaborates on the PGA star's alleged plan to help Haiti, writing, "I heard Tiger Woods is donating to send a cargo plane with a mobile hospital out there. Keep ur prayers high!"

wish Tiger Woods can regain frame. his marriage end but his life must continue.

No Doubt,Tiger Woods Endorsements Are Safe

The car accident happened on Tiger Woods on Friday afternoon has coursed wild public concern, all new reports about him followed fast, such as Tiger's alleged mistress Rachel Uchitel(photo enclosed) etc. Now, people are doubting whether Tiger Woods endorsements are safe.

The 2009 Sports Illustrated Fortunate 50 List reported that Tiger Woods' total earnings were down about $28 million last year, but for the sixth-consecutive time he topped the list by bringing home an estimated $99,737,626. To put that number in perspective, Phil Mickelson came in a distance second with and estimated $52,950,356, while LeBron James is is reported to have made $42,410,581.

As CNNMoney's David Goldman wrote in an excellent article Monday afternoon, Tiger's sponsors are standing by him, and will likely continue to do so. Here's why: Tiger has not been formally charged with anything. Tabloids and pundits are writing that Woods needs to address the rumors that are swirling around the Internet, but legally, Tiger is not required to speak to anyone.

With that in mind, why should companies like Nike, Accenture, AT&T, Tag Hauer, Gillette, and Gatorade even consider changing, or ending, their relationship with the man who is one of the most iconic figures in sports?

Sure, if the circumstances surrounding Woods's car cash change in the coming days or weeks, companies might reconsider their association with Tiger accordingly. But as Florida Highway Patrol Sgt. Kim Montes said in a statement, "Contrary to various media reports, the Florida Highway Patrol has not made any comments regarding the details of the ongoing crash investigation involving Tiger Woods as it relates to medical information, or any other aspect of this investigation."

So don't look for Fortune 500 companies to start changing their marketing plans simply because Tiger Woods is the target de jour of tabloids. And to Tiger's fans, stand by Tiger as usual.

Tiger Woods' new estate on Jupiter Island

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Tiger Woods to take 'indefinite' leave from golf

Tiger Woods said Friday he is taking an indefinite leave from golf to try to save his marriage, the biggest fallout yet from two shocking weeks filled with allegations of rampant extramarital affairs.

"I need to focus my attention on being a better husband, father, and person," Woods said on his Web site.

Woods and his wife, Elin, have been married five years and have a 2-year-old daughter and a 10-month-old son.

The announcement came two weeks after Woods crashed his SUV into a tree outside his Florida home, setting in motion a stunning downfall for the world's No. 1 player who for 13 years rarely made news off the golf course. One woman who said she had a 31-month affair with Woods shared a voice mail that she said Woods left her two nights before his Nov. 27 accident.

"I am deeply aware of the disappointment and hurt that my infidelity has caused to so many people, most of all my wife and children," Woods said. "I want to say again to everyone that I am profoundly sorry and that I ask forgiveness. It may not be possible to repair the damage I've done, but I want to do my best to try."

Woods has not been seen in public since the accident.

He gave no indication when he might return in what could be a pivotal year as he pursues the record 18 major championships won by Jack Nicklaus. Woods, who did not win a major this year, has 14.

The Masters, where Woods has won four times, is April 8-11. The U.S. Open is at Pebble Beach, where Woods won by a record 15 strokes in 2000, and the British Open returns to St. Andrews, where he has won twice by a combined 13 shots.

It will be the second straight year that a PGA Tour season begins without its star player. A year ago, Woods was recovering from reconstructive knee surgery that kept him out a total of eight months.

This is different.

"We knew before he was coming back," said Steve Stricker, one of Woods' favorite players on tour. "Now, we're not sure when he's coming back. But this sounds good. I hope everything works out for him."

The PGA Tour supported the decision.

"His priorities are where they need to be, and we will continue to respect and honor his family's request for privacy," PGA Tour commissioner Tim Finchem said in a statement, the tour's first public comment since Woods mentioned his "personal failings" and "transgressions" in a Dec. 2 statement. "We look forward to Tiger's return to the PGA Tour when he determines the time is right for him."

Woods' agent, Mark Steinberg, told The Associated Press that it was the right decision for Woods and his family.

"The entirety of someone's life is more important than just a professional career," Steinberg said in an e-mail to the AP. "What matters most is a young family that is trying to cope with difficult life issues in a secluded and caring way. Whenever Tiger may return to the game should be on the family's terms alone."

Craig Parry, who played a practice round with Woods in Australia last month, said Woods brought the problems on himself.

"What he did was totally wrong," Parry said at the Australian PGA Championship. "And he's got no one to blame except himself. You can look at other people, but he's the one who's got to look in the mirror."

John Daly, who is going through his third divorce, said he has been trying to reach Woods and "he just didn't want to talk to anybody."

"I feel if there is anybody in this world who could give him some advice ..." Daly said in Australia. "I hope we get him back soon. They always say there is no one bigger in golf than the game itself. But Tiger is."

Woods was out of action from July 2008 until the end of February this year, and television ratings dropped 50 percent. The tour is trying to renew a half-dozen title sponsors, and it is to begin negotiations on the next television contract later next year.

As for Woods' corporate endorsements, all have stood by him for now.

"Tiger has been part of Nike for more than a decade," Nike said in a statement Friday. "He is the best golfer in the world and one of the greatest athletes of his era. We look forward to his return to golf. He and his family have Nike's full support."

Meanwhile, Accenture no longer has an image of Woods on the home page of its Web site. Earlier this week, Woods standing amid cactus plants studying his next shot was among three rotating pictures on the home page.

AT&T said it supported Woods' decision.

"We are presently evaluating our ongoing relationship with him," the company said in a statement. Not only does Woods carry the AT&T logo on his golf bag, the company is the title sponsor of his PGA Tour event over the July 4th weekend.

Steinberg said it would be "premature and inappropriate" to talk about Woods' specific business relationships.

"Suffice it to say, we have had thoughtful conversations and his sponsors have been open to a solution-oriented dialogue," Steinberg said. "Of course, each sponsor has unique considerations and ultimately the decisions they make we would fully understand and accept."

Earlier this year, Woods became the world's first athlete to surpass $1 billion in career earnings, according to Forbes magazine. His sponsors include Nike, Gillette, AT&T, Gatorade and Tag Heuer.

Woods last played a tournament Nov. 15 when he won the Australian Masters for his 82nd victory around the world.

Stricker, who went undefeated as Woods' partner at the Presidents Cup, said his leave was the right decision.

"I think it's great that he's going to put his family first and work things out," Stricker said from Naples, Fla., where he is playing the Shark Shootout. "Golf will always be there. He wants to make sure his marriage is right and everything is good on the homefront. We'll sure miss him on tour until he gets things taken care of."

Woods also indicated he would step away from the work of the Tiger Woods Foundation, which has served some 10 million children.

"There are millions of young people who have truly changed their lives through the foundation's programs, and millions more still counting on us for help," Woods said in a separate statement through his foundation. "I am committed to them and to the foundation's excellent work, and I know my staff will continue these efforts during my absence."

www.mygolfwholesale.com

Tiger Woods Affair storyline

An early morning car crash outside his home in Florida has led to a public relations meltdown for champion golfer Tiger Woods.

 

Scratches sustained in the accident may pale into insignificance given the damage to his image caused by a string of tabloid claims, and the knock-on effect it may have on multi-million dollar sponsorship deals.

Here is how the drama unfolded.

November 27

- Reports emerge that Woods has been injured in a car accident near his Florida home after colliding with a fire hydrant and a tree.

- Florida Highway Patrol issue a statement which says no alcohol was involved but that charges may be pending.

- A joint statement from the hospital and Woods' office was released, reading: "Tiger Woods was in a minor car accident outside his home. He was admitted, treated and released in good condition."

- US gossip websites begin speculating that the incident may be connected to reports earlier that week in the National Enquirer alleging an affair with New York nightclub hostess Rachel Uchitel

November 28

- Florida Highway Patrol confirm they have been unable to speak to Woods and his wife, Elin, about the incident saying the pair were "not available to be interviewed by state troopers, as we had previously scheduled".

November 29

- Woods enlists lawyer Mark Nejame to represent him. Nejame later cancels another meeting with Florida Highway Patrol but provides the statutory requirement of driver's licence, registration and proof of insurance.

- Woods releases a statement on his website admitting full blame for the incident. The release continued: "I'm human and I'm not perfect. I will certainly make sure this doesn't happen again. This is a private matter and I want to keep it that way. Although I understand there is curiosity, the many false, unfounded and malicious rumours that are currently circulating about my family and me are irresponsible."

November 30

- Woods confirms he will miss his own tournament, the Chevron World Challenge.

- Florida Highway Patrol issue another statement distancing themselves from reports they were seeking a search warrant but confirm they have yet to speak to the golfer.

December 1

- Woods is issued with a traffic citation for careless driving and a 164 dollar fine. Officials declare the investigation over, confirming no criminal charges would follow.

- Florida Highway Patrol public affairs officer Sergeant Kim Montes responds to speculation by insisting: "There are no claims of domestic violence by any individual. We believe this comment and our crash investigation report will speak for themselves."

December 2

- US Weekly runs an interview with waitress Jaimee Grubbs, who claims she had a two-and-a-half-year affair with the golfer.

- Woods pens a new, emotional statement on his website. Comments include: "I have let my family down and I regret those transgressions with all of my heart. I have not been true to my values and the behaviour my family deserves. I am dealing with my behaviour and personal failings behind closed doors with my family." He goes on to criticise media intrusion, adding: "Personal sins should not require press releases and problems within a family shouldn't have to mean public confessions."

December 3

- Swedish golfer Jesper Parnevik says he owes Elin Nordegren an apology for introducing her to Woods in 2001. "We probably thought he was a better guy than he is," Parnevik says.

- Rachel Uchitel, who previously denied reports she had an affair with Woods, cancels a planned press conference due to "unforeseen circumstances".

December 4 - 11

- A flurry of claims are made by other women alleging to have had a fling with Woods. Among those alleged to have bedded the golfer are a porn star and a pancake house waitress. At least ten women have been linked to Woods in tabloids and US showbiz websites.

December 8

- A woman is rushed to hospital from Woods' home in the early hours of the morning. The patient is later identified as Woods' mother-in-law Barbro Holmberg, who is later released back to Woods' Florida mansion.

- Sports drink firm Gatorade becomes the first company to drop its endorsement of Woods.

December 9

- The growing impact of the allegations on Woods' earning power starts to emerge after adverts featuring Tiger Woods are found to have disappeared from prime-time US television broadcasts.

Nielsen, a New York-based consumer research company, produced a study showing Woods has not appeared in a prime time television commercial in the United States since a November 29 Gillette advert.

- A US politician retracts his bid to get the sportsman recognised with the US's highest civilian honour.

California representative Joe Baca had put forward legislation in March calling for Woods to be recognised with a Congressional Gold Medal for promoting good sportsmanship and breaking down barriers.

But in a statement he says that he would no longer be pursuing the honour on Woods' behalf "in light of recent developments".

December 10

- Rachel Uchitel, the US socialite at the centre of the Tiger Woods affair allegations uses a magazine interview to deny she is a "home-wrecker" or "tramp".

The 34-year-old nightclub hostess told OK! magazine: "In every story you need a villain and a hero. I've been characterised as a villain."

December 11

- Jamie Jungers ( Photo closed ), one of Tiger Woods' alleged mistresses, says she was left broken-hearted following the end of their relationship.

The 26-year-old, who claims to have conduced an 18-month affair with the championship golfer, tells NBC's Today programme that she got "nothing out of this relationship but a broken heart".

- Woods releases most personal statement yet, saying he is taking an "indefinite break" from golf and apologising for his "infidelity".

 

Jamie Jungers: Tiger was Amazing in Bed

Tiger Woods Turn to His Family from Professional Life